Les Ferdinand has said that Ivan Toney would be the ideal option to replace Harry Kane at Tottenham and suggested that the Lilywhites could have made a move for the Brentford star in the summer despite his ban.
Toney’s career has stalled as a result of his ban for breaching the FA’s betting rules, which means that he cannot kick a ball competitively until January.
However, despite being out of the game for several months, the striker’s stock has not gone down.
In fact, The Daily Mirror suggested a few days ago that the 27-year-old could be one of the most hotly contested transfers of the January transfer window, with Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea said to be eyeing moves for him.
The publication alleged that Brentford will demand a minimum of £60m for the striker despite the fact that he will only have 18 months left on his contract in January.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – APRIL 29: Ivan Toney of Brentford reacts during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest at Brentford Community Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Should Tottenham move for Ivan Toney?
Alan Brazil questioned if it would have been wiser for Tottenham to pursue Toney in the summer rather than wait until January.
He told Ferdinand (via talkSPORT 20/09/23): “Do you know what I was saying earlier Les? And I don’t know if you agree. Ivan Toney – I think people should have bought him before the window slammed shut and just let him train and you might get him cheaper than what he’s going to cost now.
“And Tottenham were one of the clubs I thought ‘Get him’. Do you think he would have been a big addition to Tottenham? Because he’s a top player, isn’t he.”
The former Tottenham striker responded: “Yeah, I think when Harry was going I felt that someone like Toney would be ideal for them. Okay, he’s not Harry Kane but his presence and what he’s doing in the Premier League.
“And as you said, the price they would have probably got him for… Mind you, Harry’s gone for £100m, Brentford probably would have wanted £100m to let him go [he laughed].
“So, I’m not sure Tottenham would have wanted to spend that kind of money but I get what you’re saying. I like him as a centre-forward and I think he would be a very good addition to the Tottenham team.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It would have made no sense for any club to pursue Toney in the summer as he would cost more due to having longer left on his contract despite not being able to play until January.
So, it is not surprising that all interested clubs have decided to wait until his ban has lapsed, particularly since it was quite clear that the striker is not going to sign a new deal with the Bees.
Have something to tell us about this article?
